“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3, NKJV
My eyes were closed in prayer when my wrist began to vibrate underneath my watch. These intrusions happen throughout the day and always demand my attention. Opening my eyes and looking down at the watch, I read these words, “Pause and reflect to have a more mindful day.” This is not the first time seeing the message, so I did pause and become curiously mindful of the meaning behind the phrase. Although the message to “Pause and reflect” pops up periodically on my 21st Century Dick Tracy type watch, the intention of the message is as old as humankind. Surely, Isaiah had the same thought in mind when he penned chapter 26.
Today, technology with its built-in algorithm can remind us to do as the Psalmist instructed in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Emphasis mine). Pause and be mindful. I have often wondered, without God, what is the substance of mindfulness? Some days, I am strong with courage and the will to survive in a world that seems to have lost its way. However, apart from knowing Jesus as the True Constant, never changing, everlasting Source of peace, what do you and I have as a reliable anchor?
From now on, whenever I see the words “mindfulness” or “meditation,” I will thank God for His Son, Jesus, who never fails to deliver what is impossible to muster up on my own…peace. No friend, no family member, and no worldly philosophy is trustworthy and faithful like Jesus. He is my Rock and Sustainer and deserves my trust. I pray you will trust Jesus, too.